Sanitary storage and distribution apparatus

ABSTRACT

A portable container in the nature of a handbag or satchel configured with special compartments for the sanitary storage and transport of wet wipes, formula and/or breast milk, and other similar products and goods for the care of an infant, toddler, or small child.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Utility patentapplication Ser. No. 16/016,508, filed Jun. 22, 2018, and is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. Design patent application No. 29/654,393,filed Jun. 22, 2018 and claims benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/638,918, filed Mar. 5, 2018, and. The entiredisclosures of all of these documents are incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

This disclosure is related to the field of apparel and more particularlyto a portable and attractive personal accessory for the sanitary storageand dispensing of wipes and other cleaning products.

Description of the Related Art

Parents of small children are familiar with the need to have certainmaterials on hand at all times, such as diapers, spare clothing,formula, breast milk, toys, and sanitary wipes. These and othermaterials have traditionally been stored in a portable container, suchas diaper bag or backpack. However, these portable containers aregenerally unappealing, unattractive, and unsuitable for use in moreprofessional environments.

Further, conventional handbags are not well-suited for quick access toneeded products. Ordinarily, transporting wet wipes generally requiresthat a box of wet wipes be purchased, and some of the wet wipes beremoved from that box and deposited into a smaller, more portablecontainer, such as a sealable plastic sandwich bag or smallspecial-purpose container for sealably transporting wet wipes. Thisportable container is itself stored within a storage compartment of thehandbag.

However, this means that when the user needs a wet wipe, the user mustfirst locate the portable container within the handbag, remove theportable container, and then remove a wet wipe from the portablecontainer for use. Often the contents of a bag are jumbled in transport,or during earlier rummaging for a different product width the bag. Thiscan make it difficult and frustrating to locate the container of wetwipes. However, when there is a mess to clean up with a wet wipe,particularly when the mess concerns a young child, the situation isoften tense, and time is of the essence. The time spent in searching apurse for wipes, and lost in retrieving and opening the wipe containerand retrieving a wipe from it, may result in what was originally a smallmess becoming much larger one in short order. As any parent knows, whenthe nature of the mess concerns the sanitary condition of a small child,every second counts, and minor accidents can quickly turn into stressfuland anxiety-inducing disasters. This in turn often results in the parentforgetting to reseal the wipe container, or not fully or properlyresealing it while in a rush. Thus, when the parent next requires wipes,the parent will be alarmed to discovery that the container has driedout.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following is a summary of the invention in order to provide a basicunderstanding of some aspects of the invention. This summary is notintended to identify key or critical elements of the invention or todelineate the scope of the invention. The sole purpose of this sectionis to present some concepts of the invention in a simplified form as aprelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

Because of these and other problems in the art, described herein, amongother things, is a portable container in the nature of a handbag orsatchel configured with special compartments for the sanitary storageand transport of wet wipes, formula and/or breast milk, and othersimilar products and goods for the care of an infant, toddler, or smallchild.

In one embodiment, a container according to the present disclosurecomprises: a first body portion defining a first hollow interiorcompartment accessible by a first opening; a second body portionattached to the first body portion and defining a second hollow interiorcompartment accessible by a second opening; a third opening disposed onthe second body portion and providing access to the second hollowinterior compartment; and a closeable element attached to the first bodyportion and configured such that when the closeable element is in aclosed configuration, the closeable element closes the first opening,the second opening, and the third opening; wherein the container is theconfiguration of a handbag.

In a further embodiment, the first body portion is sized and shaped toaccommodate a plurality of personal accessories.

In a further embodiment, the second hollow interior compartment is sizedand shaped to receive a plurality of wet wipes.

In a further embodiment, the second hollow interior compartment is sizedand shaped to receive a plurality of wet wipes in a stackedconfiguration.

In a further embodiment, the second opening is configured such that thesecond hollow interior compartment receives the plurality of wet wipesthrough the second opening.

In a further embodiment, the third opening is configured to cause onlyone wet wipe at a time in the plurality of wet wipes disposed in thesecond hollow interior compartment to be dispensed through the thirdopening.

In a further embodiment, the closeable element comprises a flap hingedlyconnected to the main body portion.

In a further embodiment, the second hollow interior compartmentcomprises a water-resistant interior liner.

In a further embodiment, the second hollow interior compartmentcomprises a water-proof interior liner.

In a further embodiment, the first body portion is generally in arectangular configuration.

In a further embodiment, the container further comprises a holdingelement adapted to retain the closeable element in a closed position.

In a further embodiment, the closeable element is selected from thegroup consisting of: a magnet; a buckle; and a snap.

In a further embodiment, the second opening comprises a closeableelement adapted to close the second opening independently of thecloseable element.

In a further embodiment, the second closeable element is selected fromthe group consisting of: a zipper; a flap; a snap; a buckle; apress-seal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a container according to thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 2 provides a front view thereof.

FIG. 3 provides a back view thereof.

FIG. 4 provides a right side view thereof.

FIG. 5 provides a left side view thereof.

FIG. 6 provides a top view thereof.

FIG. 7 provides a bottom view thereof.

FIGS. 8A and 8B provide a front view of the embodiment of FIGS. 1-7 inan open configuration.

FIGS. 9 and 10 depict a detail view of the embodiment of FIGS. 1-7 in anopen configuration.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

The following detailed description and disclosure illustrates by way ofexample and not by way of limitation. This description will clearlyenable one skilled in the art to make and use the disclosed systems andmethods, and describes several embodiments, adaptations, variations,alternatives and uses of the disclosed systems and methods. As variouschanges could be made in the above constructions without departing fromthe scope of the disclosures, it is intended that all matter containedin the description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall beinterpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

FIGS. 1-7 depict an embodiment of a portable container according to thepresent disclosure in a closed configuration. FIGS. 8-10 depict thisembodiment in an open position. The depicted container (101) comprises amain body (102) surrounding a hollow interior accessible by a topopening (109). The size and shape of the hollow interior will vary fromembodiment to embodiment, and generally is configured to accommodate thestorage of a variety of personal products and accessories, such as thosetypically carried in a purse, diaper bag, hip pack, or other personalportable storage container. Examples include, but are not necessarilylimited to, personal products (e.g., beauty and hygiene products), babyand child products (e.g., snacks, small toys), business products (e.g.,mobile phone, planner), and the like. As will be clear to a person ofordinary skill in the art, the size and shape may also be influenced bysubjective aesthetic preferences, such as personal tastes, fashiontrends, and the social environment in which the container is intended tobe carried. Thus, the size and shape of the interior for any giveembodiment may be influenced by both functional and aestheticconsiderations.

Although a top opening (109) is depicted, and typical, in any givenembodiment, other positions or locations of the opening (109) arepossible, such as lateral or ventral positioning.

The depicted container (101) comprises a closeable element (103)configured to seal or close, in whole or in part, the top opening (109).This closeable element (103) inhibits objects stored within thecontainer from escaping during use or transport, and also providessecurity, such as by making it more difficult to pickpocket items fromthe container in a crowd without being detected. In the depictedembodiment, the closeable element (103) is a simple flap attached to thecontainer in a hinge-like relationship such that the flip overlaps thetop opening (109) and main body to cover the top element (109) when theflap is closed. Other closeable elements (103) are of course possible asalternatives or additions to such a flap, such as, but not necessarilylimited to, a zipper.

When closed, the depicted closeable element (103) is held in closedconfiguration by a holding element (104), depicted as a pair of magnets(104) and (105) in the figures. It will be clear to a person of ordinaryskill in the art that other closing elements known in the art may besuitable alternatives or substitutes, such as snaps, buckles, and thelike. The position of the holding element (104) will also vary fromembodiment to embodiment and again may depend on either or bothfunctional and aesthetic considerations.

As can be seen in FIGS. 9 and 10, the depicted container (101) comprisesa main hollow interior for storage accessible by a top opening (109).The hollow interior may be lined by a water-proof or water-resistantmaterial. This allows for liquids, especially cold liquids in containerswhich may sweat, to be safely stored in the container (101) with minimumrisk of damage to the container (101) interior.

In the depicted embodiment, the container (101) further comprises asecond top opening (108) providing access to a second hollow interiorcompartment defined by a secondary body portion (107). The second hollowinterior compartment may be lined by a water-proof or water-resistantmaterial. This also allows for liquids to be safely stored in the secondhollow interior compartment with reduced risk of damage in the event ofsweating or spills. The interior of the main body and/or the secondhollow interior compartment may further be insulated to inhibit theintrusion or escape of moisture or humidity.

In the depicted embodiment, the second compartment is also accessible bya second opening (106), shown disposed on the front of the second bodyportion (107). The depicted second opening (106) is a narrow slit, whichprovides access to the second hollow interior compartment. The depictedsecond hollow interior compartment in turn is sized and shaped toaccommodate a stack of sanitary wipes, colloquially known as “wetwipes.” However, it an embodiment, the second hollow interiorcompartment may be configured to accommodate a different type ofproduct. The second top opening (108) is sized and shaped to facilitatethe insertion or placement of the stack within the second compartmentvia the second top opening (108). Once in place, the top wipe may bepulled through the second opening (106) in the same fashion that wipesare dispensed from conventional plastic storage boxes.

Because the interior of the second compartment is water-resistant andmay be insulated to inhibit moisture escape, the wet wipes in the secondcompartment will tend to stay moistened for a longer period of time thanin a conventional handbag, but without having to carry a specializedcontainer for them. For a typical mother or parent, the rate at whichthe wipes will be used will generally deplete the supply before theynaturally dry out. Moisture escape is further inhibited by the size andshape of the second opening (106), which includes overlapping componentssnugly fit together to inhibit moisture transfer. Similarly, the sidesof the second top opening (108) are sized, shaped, and configured to fitsnugly together to inhibit moisture transfer. Similarly, when theclosable element (103) is closed, moisture transfer is furtherinhibited.

Although a clutch configuration is shown, these structures areapplicable to any number of configurations of personal accessories andthe particular arrangement vary from embodiment to embodiment. Forexample, in a larger bag, the interior may contain multiple separatewaterproof compartments to facilitate the storage of formula or breastmilk in a bottle or portable bladder.

An aspect of the present disclosure is that the container may comprisetwo separate compartments—a first main storage compartment defined bythe main body of the container for general-purpose use, and a secondstorage compartment defined by the secondary body for morespecific-purpose use. In an embodiment, these compartments are separateform one another, facilitating the use of one compartment with aspecific function—e.g., storage of a moistened product such as a wetwipe—without necessarily altering the design of the first compartment.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is that the closeable element(103) may be configured to close or seal both the main compartment andthe secondary compartment. Because the user will typically close themain compartment during ordinary use and transport of the bag, thesecondary compartment will also normally be resealed after a wipe isretrieved, and the user need not remember also to close it specifically.This inhibits accidentally non-sealing or tins-sealing of the wipestorage compartment, providing longer usable life of the wipes.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is that by including in thecontainer a special-purpose compartment for storage of wet wipes, theneed to store a removable container within the bag is eliminated, Thus,by positioning the wet wipes in a specific and predictable location onthe hangbag, not only is the need for a second container stored withinthe hangbag eliminated, but the user can more quickly and easily accessthe wet wipes. This in turn means the mess in question may be addressedmore rapidly, reducing stress and anxiety.

The elements described herein have been disclosed primarily withreference to wet-wipes, but the same structures may be used to storeother materials as well. For example, the second compartment may beconfigured to hold a bladder of fluid, such as formula, breast milk, orwater. The bladder may be inserted through the second top opening, andremovable for cleaning and sanitation purposes, with a sealable openingfor removing the liquid therefrom.

Additionally, it will be clear that the specific arrangement of theelements described is for illustrative purposes, and that otherarrangements are possible. For example, in an embodiment, a handbagaccording to the present disclosure may contain a plurality of separateor connected secondary interiors for storing various items.

While the invention has been disclosed in conjunction with a descriptionof certain embodiments, including those that are currently believed tobe the preferred embodiments, the detailed description is intended to beillustrative and should not be understood to limit the scope of thepresent disclosure. As would be understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art, embodiments other than those described in detail herein areencompassed by the present invention. Modifications and variations ofthe described embodiments may be made without departing from the spiritand scope of the invention.

1. A container comprising: a first body portion defining a first hollow interior compartment accessible by a first opening; a second body portion attached to said first body portion and defining a second hollow interior compartment accessible by a second opening; a third opening disposed on said second body portion and providing access to said second hollow interior compartment; and a closeable element attached to said first body portion and configured such that when said closeable element is in a closed configuration, said closeable element closes said first opening, said second opening, and said third opening; wherein said container is the configuration of a handbag.
 2. The container of claim 1, wherein said first body portion is sized and shaped to accommodate a plurality of personal accessories.
 3. The container of claim 1, wherein said second hollow interior compartment is sized and shaped to receive a plurality of wet wipes.
 4. The container of claim 3, wherein said second hollow interior compartment is sized and shaped to receive a plurality of wet wipes in a stacked configuration.
 5. The container of claim 3, wherein said second opening is configured such that said second hollow interior compartment receives said plurality of wet wipes through said second opening.
 6. The container of claim 3, wherein said third opening is configured to cause only one wet wipe at a time in said plurality of wet wipes disposed in said second hollow interior compartment to be dispensed through said third opening.
 7. The container, of claim 1, wherein said closeable element comprises a flap hingedly connected to said main body portion.
 8. The container of claim 1, wherein said second hollow interior compartment comprises a water-resistant interior liner.
 9. The container of claim 1, wherein said second hollow interior compartment comprises a water-proof interior liner.
 10. The container of claim 1, wherein said first body portion is generally in a rectangular configuration.
 11. The container of claim 1, further comprising a holding element adapted to retain said closeable element in a closed position.
 12. The container of claim 10, wherein said closeable element is selected from the group consisting of: a magnet; a buckle; and a snap.
 13. The container of claim 1, wherein said second opening comprises a closeable element adapted to close said second opening independently of said closeable element.
 14. The container of claim 12, wherein said second closeable element is selected from the group consisting of a zipper; a flap; a snap; a buckle; a press-seal. 